Jake Turpin

With Andrew McCullough now at the Newcastle Knights, there looks to be plenty of minutes on offer for the Redlands Junior.

After starting 2020 with just 60 minutes a game with McCullough on the bench, Turpin returned a very-handy 62 points in 80 minutes against the Eels, and he was one of the better performing players in a heavily beaten team.

Priced at around 40-points, Turpin could be undervalued if these minutes continue after having now averaged 59.7 points across his last three games playing the full 80 at Hooker.

Uncertainty around Siebold’s bench and rotation had many coaches hesitant to jump on ahead of Round 3, but we could see his 3.6% ownership jump this week.

Of course, Turpin’s upside is completely dependent on this significant bump in minutes, and the opportunity for Siebold to introduce a utility from the  bench remains the main danger.

It’s also important to highlight that the Broncos won’t be limited to 36% possession on a weekly basis – so we can’t expect 60+ tackles a game from Turpin.

However, with a sub-600k price tag and obtainable break even ahead of Round 4 – we’ll be watching team lists with interest.

James Tedesco

Tedesco has seemingly cut his customary slow-start short after a scintillating 94 point performance against club rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

We saw Tedesco take full advantage of the new 6 again rule and a general fast-paced game by running for over 300 metres, scoring a try and busting 14 tackles.

With 5 consecutive 50+ season averages, it’s never a matter of if with Teddy – but when.

With a break even of 41 – this looks to be an ideal time to pick up the 2019 Dally M Medalist.

Whilst he’s available at $53k discount now, it wouldn’t surprise us to see him push $900k in the coming weeks – especially if this new brand of Footy continues to offer up additional attacking opportunities for elite support players.

Moeaki Fotuaika

Fotuaika was unable to resume contact until very late in the pre-season due to recovering from wrist and knee surgery.

However, the Greenbank Raiders junior has seemingly benefited from the season suspension – and has returned with a bang.

The 21-year-old scored an impressive 75 points in 56 minutes – a score that included 43 tackles, a rare line break, and over 150 run-metres.

We did get a glimpse of what may be to come for Fotuaika last season with an average of 50 points across 6 games where he played 55 minutes or more – so it’s never been a question of ability.

With a break even of 24 and a friendly sub $600k price tag adding to his appeal, coaches may consider Fotuaika as a cheaper partner to Payne Haas in their Front Row.

The risk for owners is whether or not Mo can sustain those big minutes on a consistent basis at such a young age. Although Payne Haas has changed the game for young Props, it would be unfair to draw this comparison and we can’t expect this from all up-and-coming middles.

With that said, we’ll be watching his minutes and performances closely over the upcoming Rounds.

Bradman Best

Apart from being the owner of the world’s greatest Rugby League name, Bradman Best is another player that has landed himself on our watchlist after a very impressive showing in Round 3 – one that netted him 65 NRL Fantasy points.

Best crossed for a double against the Panthers – however – could’ve had a third if he had backed himself over the option of attempting to position his winger late in the game.

Despite this missed opportunity, Best looked every-bit the damaging ball-runner he’s been touted as, and a high workrate in Round 3 with 16 tackles and over 180 run metres made for encouraging reading.

With Centre being one of the most difficult positions to nail in NRL Fantasy, we like the look of Best due to his price-point and now proven upside.

However, if you are willing to use another trade or two in the Centres – you will have to move this week as a (-2) break even has Best off to flying start to his cash rises.

The danger for prospective owners comes via his limited experience at the top level, and the fact that Best has failed to crack the 20-point barrier in the two of his four games where he hasn’t scored a try.

That aside, all outside backs are subject to some risk and his blistering Round 3 performance has him positioned as a logical target for Shibisaki owners – or those looking for a cash out from a more expensive asset.

Stephen Crichton

Crichton was a late inclusion for Brent Nadan over the weekend – but this wasn’t our first look at his potential this year.

Whilst Crichton has started both Rounds 1 and 2 from the bench, his attacking prowess and potential was on display in both games.

And as a result, many coaches had him circled in the event he was given an opportunity in the starting 13.

Crichton looked dangerous with just about every touch against the Knights and showed why Cleary simply couldn’t keep him out of his run-on side any longer.

In this game, Crichton notched up 46 NRL Fantasy points without a try or try assist to his name.

And whilst we do have to adjust this score to 40 given that he won’t have the goal kicking duties from Round 5 – this is still a very pleasing return for a player priced at $313k.

With obvious competition for the position, the danger is definitely in terms of the job security and potential to lose the spot with a poor performance.

However, if what we’ve seen so far in 2020 is anything to go by – he looks like he has plenty to offer his side in attack.